MELBOURNE - Victoria's heir designate John Brumby has pledged to be an inclusive yet decisive leader, who will emphasise education as the Government's key priority.
Mr Brumby, who is expected to be elected unopposed as Labor's leader at a caucus meeting tomorrow, today outlined his vision to turn Victoria into the smart state.
Backed by outgoing premier Steve Bracks as his successor, Mr Brumby told reporters in Melbourne he would be humbled if elected Premier and acknowledged he would have big shoes to fill, but said he brought much experience to the job.
"I'd hope that as Premier of this state, I could be inclusive and I will be inclusive, but I will also be decisive because I think that's what the people of Victoria want," he said.
"My first task as Premier will be to implement those policies on which we were elected, but the world doesn't stand still.
"There are always new challenges, new opportunities that come along, that need to be addressed so you will find there will be a difference of emphasis under my Government."
The different emphasis would include a major focus on education along with health, major projects, public transport, planning and farmers.
Education, with a focus on early childhood development as well as improving the training system, would be his most important priority.
"It won't be just about what we do in our school system," he said.
"I want us to have the best skills base, the best training system, the best apprentices and the best trainees anywhere in Australia.
"I also want to see increased emphasis on early childhood development. The better you can give a child a start in life, the better they'll be in terms of the opportunities that present for them later on."
Mr Brumby said he would also consider measures to better implement major projects as well as better planning for Melbourne's growth, particularly in the outer suburbs.
Public transport was also on the agenda.
Mr Brumby said he would look at hastening the rollout of public transport improvements announced in the Government's $10.6 billion package last year.
"We've seen something like an 18 per cent increase in public transport patronage over the last two years. The reality is we need to do more in this area," he said.
On the health front, tackling cancer and diabetes would be the main focus.
Mr Brumby said farmers would also be a priority as they tackled drought and price pressures.
Like Mr Bracks, Mr Brumby said he would focus on driving national economic reform as well as new investment in new knowledge areas such as biotechnology and the creative industries.
"There will be a new emphasis, there will be new challenges, we can always do better," he said.
"We've been a good government, a very good government, but we could do better in the future.
"Steve's are big shoes to fill, you know, they are and if I can do the job as well as him I'll be really pleased."
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